The ultimate choice for professional portrait, travel and event photographers seeking the highest possible optical performance. The XA element reduces aberration and delivers the ultimate resolution throughout the entire zoom range and aperture range, as well as from corner to corner of all image files.

Designed to achieve 50 line pairs/mm resolving powerIt is not easy to achieve spatial frequency of 50 lines pairs per millimeter at a lens's widest aperture, but that is Sony's baseline for G Master design. Unprecedented resolution and other demanding design parameters yield outstanding reproduction of the most detailed subjects and scenes with superior contrast throughout every frame. G Master resolution is simply the highest in its class.

Previously unattainable surface precisionBuilt with three aspherical elements including a newly developed and essential ingredient for astonishing resolution - is a new XA (extreme aspherical) lens element with better that 0.01-micron surface precision. The extremely precise XA element reduces aberration and delivers the ultimate resolution throughout the entire zoom range and aperture range, as well as from corner to corner of all image files.

Constant F2.8 max aperture maintains exposure and depth of fieldConstant F2.8 max aperture maintains exposure and depth of field regardless of the focal range you choose to zoom to. When changing your aperture to defocus the background, the areas out of the focal plane appear blurred. This 'bokeh' effect of the blurred background can be enhanced with circular aperture blades used in this lens.

9-blade circular aperture contributes to gorgeous bokehWhen changing your aperture to defocus the background, the light sources appear blurred. This 'bokeh' effect of the blurred background can be enhanced with circular aperture blades used in this lens. Conventional aperture blades have flat sides creating unappealing, polygonal shaped defocussed points of light. a lenses overcome this problem through a unique design that keeps the aperture almost perfectly circular from its wide-open setting to when it is closed by 2 stops. Smoother, more natural defocusing can be obtained as a result.

Direct Drive SSM (DDSSM) for quiet, precise focusingHigh-resolution camera bodies demand absolute focus precision. The Direct Drive Super Sonic Wave Motor (SSM) focus system is more than up to the task for both stills and movies. DDSSM has the capability to position the large, heavy optical assemblies required by large-aperture lenses with pinpoint precision, offering advantages for manual focus as well as autofocus. Manual focus response is also natural and intuitive.

Nano AR CoatingSony's original Nano AR Coating technology minimizes flare and ghosting, for dynamic range that achieves lifelike detail and gradation with advanced camera sensors. This precisely defined regular nano-structure allows accurate light transmission, contributing to high-quality images, even more so than with lenses that use coatings with an irregular nano-structure. The reflection suppression characteristic of the Nano AR Coating is superior to conventional anti-reflective coatings, providing a notable improvement in clarity, contrast, and overall image quality.

Dust and moisture resistant for robust reliabilitySony's standard lens sealing is augmented by a lens mount seal that maximizes resistance to dust and moisture for reliable operation in challenging environmental conditions. Additional details like rubberized rings that are easy to operate in low temperatures, a zoom lock that prevents unwanted lens extension during transport, and a hood lock button, all add up to professional control and convenience.

ED and Super ED glass reduces flare and ghostingED (Extra-low Dispersion) and Super ED glass elements take axial chromatic aberration and chromatic aberration due to differences in magnification out of the picture, maximizing resolution and bokeh while leaving precisely rendered edges with no fringing or unnatural coloration.

Advanced simulation techniques control bokeh right from designThe G Master series elevates resolution to unprecedented heights thanks to new technology specifically developed to accommodate the more exacting tolerances required in the face of continually evolving camera body performance. Sony has applied the most advanced optical technology available in innovative lens elements, optical path design, simulation, testing, and calibration, achieving image detail and sharpness that reveal the essence of every scene and subject.

Instant auto/manual focus selectionInstantly and quickly switch between auto and manual focus via an AM/MF switch on the side of the lens. This makes operation faster and easier as you let the camera and lens focus for you, or decide to take control and manually focus on the precise point you chose.

Focus hold buttonOnce you've adjusted focus to where you want it, pressing this button on the lens barrel will keep the lens locked to that focusing distance. The preview function can also be assigned to this button through the camera's custom settings.

Internal Focus maintains lens dimensionsOnly the middle groups of the optical system move to achieve focus, so the overall length of the lens does not change. Other important benefits include fast autofocusing and a short minimum focusing distance. Also, the filter thread at the front of the lens does not rotate, which is convenient if you're using a polarizing filter.